What Does A Pet Sitter Do?

Caring pet owners know that most pets adjust better to their owner's absenses as well as experience less anxiety and stress when they can remain in their home environments.  Pet sitters make this possible with daily visits to your home.  In addition to meals, exercise, playtime, and cleaning litter boxes or cages, professional pet sitters can also administer medications, walk dogs, and perform other pet-care duties.  That's why in-home pet care is the choice of pet owners and the "pet-preferred" method of vacation and travel care.  Pet sitters can also provide vital home care services while you are away, including mail or newspaper pick up, placing trash outside for pickup, or rotating the lights and opening or closing blinds to make your house look lived in.  A professional pet sitter provides peace of mind for everyone.

 

Why Should I Hire A Professional?

Professional pet sitters are just what the description implies - professional.  While having friends, family, or neighbors care for your pets may seem like a logical choice, professional pet sitters do this for a living and have the experience necessary to best care for your animals.  Professionals are insured and registered with the state.  This means that you can trust us to act responsibly when we enter your home.  Since this is our job, you can count on us to be there and that we will put your pet's needs first.  You won't need to impose on friends, neighbors, or relatives again!

 

Why Should I hire a pet sitter instead of boarding my pet?  

Pet sitting is a great alternative to boarding or doggie daycare that is less stressful and safer for pets, and more convenient for owners.  Here are some of the many excellent reasons why:  

• Reduced Stress.   Most pets are happier and experience less stress at home in their familiar environment.  Avoid stress related depression, vomiting, and diarrhea!

• No "Travel Trauma".   Travel in a vehicle to a boarding facility can be very traumatic for some pets, especially cats. It is also inconvenient for you!

• Health Concerns.   Exposure to illness and injury from other animals is minimized in comparison to boarding or daycare.  Pets are not exposed to kennel-related diseases or extra vaccinations.  No spread of fleas and ticks either!

• TLC.   Your pets will always receive loving, individual care and attention while you are away.   Your pets will develop a close relationship with us!

• Peace Of Mind.   You can enjoy yourself without having to worry about your pet.  We will email you pictures after each visit!

• Security.  Your home will be monitored & more secure while you are away with the crime deterrent services we include for free.  

• Special Home Services.  We can provide additional home services while caring for you pet, such as watering plants and bringing in your mail and newspaper.  No extra charge!

• Cost Effective.  Services are very affordable. You will also avoid extra nights & charges due to a boarding facility's hours of operation.   Your pet will be waiting for you at home whenever you arrive back!

 

When is it not appropriate to hire a pet sitter?   

• If your pet is in failing health and requires intensive care.

• If your pet is aggressive, or doesn't react well to visitors or strangers entering the house.

• If your pet is destructive in your absence or suffers from severe separation anxiety.

 

Do you care for pets other than cats and dogs?    
YES!  If you have other pets at home (guinea pigs, birds, rabbits, fish, reptiles, etc) I am happy to care for them according to your instructions.  

 

Do you make emergency or last minute visits?   

Yes, I often do!  I am not an on-call service, however, many times I am able to come on short notice.  I can not guarantee this service though, so please plan accordingly (especially for weekends & holidays).  

 

Do you provide references?

Yes, upon request I can provide you with the references of many satisfied customers!  You can also view the testimonials page to see what some of my existing clients have to say.

 

Is your business insured?

Definitely! I am insured through Pet Sitters Associates LLC.  I know your home and possessions are valuable and that is why I am insured to not only protect your pet, but also your home and possessions. I want you to have every assurance that your pets and home are in good hands, and that you can trust in my service and my character! 

 

Can you give my pet their medications?

Yes, I am comfortable giving oral medications, vitamins, insulin injections, and sub-coetaneous fluids.

 

Do you know pet first aid?

Yes. I am trained in pet first aid and CPR.

 

Does my pet need to be current on vaccinations?

No.   I believe that vaccinating each individual pet is a personal choice and do not require any vaccinations in order to care for an animal.   However, I do recommend that your pet have a current rabies vaccination, which is in accordance with local and state laws.

 

How early or late can you provide visits?

I begin seeing pets at 8am and end around 6pm.  I cannot guarantee exact times, but do provide you with a window.

 

Do you provide day care or boarding?

No, because I do not have a facility.   I care for pets in their own homes, where they are happiest, safest, and most comfortable.  I can provide referrals to the best area boarding facilities upon request should you need them.  

 

Will my pet always have the same pet sitter (or are there multiple sitters)?

Yes, all visits are currently provided by the owner. 

 

What if something happens to my pet sitter?  Is there a back up?

In the event of a personal emergency, injury, or illness I will first attempt to arrange for another qualified person to fulfill pet sitting responsibilities during the assignment. In the very rare instance that this is not possible, I will contact your emergency backup. (We request the name and number of an emergency backup from all clients, in case one is needed).
 

Do you provide an in home consultation?

Yes!   This meet and greet is an important visit with no obligation and it's free of charge.  The visit takes about 30 minutes and is required before any pet sitting services are provided.   This gives us a chance to meet each other and to be introduced to your pet(s).   Consulting with you in your home is the best way to learn about your pet and the care he or she needs.  I will also go over any questions or concerns you may have during this time.  

 

Will you need a key or is just a garage code okay?

I strongly recommend that you provide me with two keys.   Sometimes a key breaks or doesn't work, so I like to have two keys on hand just in case.  One is kept in a secure lock box and the other remains with the pet sitter (for entry purposes).  If you will be supplying a garage code, I still need to be provided with at least one key in case there is a power outage or key pad failure while you are away.  For your safety and security, all keys will be coded so that they cannot be attached to your personal information.   

 

How will I get my keys back?  

There are two options.    The easiest and preferred method is that you allow me to keep your keys on file in a secure lock box.   This way I will be prepared for future pet sitting in your home, including any last minute requests.  The second option is that I can return your keys after services have been completed, however, with this option there will be a small charge of $20 for each key pick up/return going forward.  

 

What areas do you serve? 

Rogers & St. Michael, Minnesota.  I do have a couple of area restrictions within these cities.   If you send me your address I would be happy to check availability and let you know if you are within my service area.  

 

How do I get started with Pet Sitting services?

You can reach out by email or phone.  I am always happy to answer any questions you may have over the phone or via email.   When contacting me please include your address, the services you are interested in, and the dates of service needed.  I will then contact you to set up an initial in home consultation.   Once I have met with you, registration has been completed online, and I have collected your keys &/or garage code, the pet sitting services are ready to begin at any time.    Future service requests can then be made by either emailing or calling the main number.  I will always confirm your reservation via email.  Please never leave town without receiving a confirmation email from us.

 

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, check, or credit card.   Payment is required prior to any pet care services. 

 

Should I tip my pet sitter?

Pet sitters certainly appreciate a tip.  Pet sitters care for your pets with a great deal of love, and frequently go "above and beyond" the call of duty.  If you were provided with great service, it is appropriate to tip your pet sitter 10-20% of the total bill. 100% of the gratuity goes directly to your pet care provider.

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How do I prepare my home and pets for a pet sitting service?  

• If you have new keys made, please try them out and make sure they work first.

• Clean litter boxes, and food/water dishes before leaving town.

• Clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage and wash the dishes in the sink to prevent ants, flies or other pests.

• Provide extra food, litter, and other supplies just in case you're not able to return when planned.  (If not enough food or necessary supplies are provided and run out while you are away, we will pick up replacements for a fee of $15 plus the cost of the supplies)

• Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the pet during your absence.  In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time.

• Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter.  Secure access to those areas before leaving home.